N-Methylspiperone

N-Methylspiperone (C22H26FN3O2) is a synthetic compound of the butyrophenone chemical class which was first synthesized in 1979. It is commonly used in scientific research as a radioligand in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanning to examine the dopamine and serotonin receptor activity in the brain.

Chemical Structure

N-Methylspiperone is a derivative of spiperone and is chemically described as 8-[4-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-oxobutyl]-1-phenyl-1,3,8-triazaspiro[4.5]decan-4-one. It has a molecular weight of 395.46 g/mol.

Uses

N-Methylspiperone is primarily used in PET scans to study the brain's dopamine and serotonin receptor activity. It is a potent antagonist of both D2 and 5-HT2A receptors, which are primarily found in the brain. This makes it a valuable tool in the study of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and Parkinson's disease.

Pharmacology

N-Methylspiperone binds to D2 and 5-HT2A receptors in the brain, blocking the action of dopamine and serotonin. This allows researchers to measure the density and distribution of these receptors, which can provide insights into the underlying causes of various psychiatric disorders.

Safety

As a research tool, N-Methylspiperone is not intended for human consumption. Its safety profile in humans is not well-studied, and it should be handled with care to avoid accidental ingestion or exposure.

See Also

• Spiperone
• Butyrophenone
• Positron Emission Tomography
• Dopamine
• Serotonin

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  N-Methylspiperone